Sewer project uproots city's new dog park

Published: Sunday, July 27, 2014 at 4:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Friday, July 25, 2014 at 7:05 p.m.

If you've been through Jackson Park or traveled down Seventh Avenue lately, you've probably seen them — the multi-ton excavators with their claws ever reaching for the ground, and the mounds of dirt they create.

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Those claws are preparing the way for a $4.6 million sewer project that will eventually save the city money.

Lawrenceville, Ga.-based John D. Stephens Inc., which specializes in pipeline installation, was awarded the bid to start construction earlier this year. Crews are expected to be laying the new sewer line through the end of the year.

“This project is called the Jackson Park Sewer Interceptor. Its main purpose is to eliminate the city's largest pump station, which is in Jackson Park,” City Engineer Brent Detwiler said. “The existing pump station is over 20 years old, consumes a substantial amount of electricity and must be frequently maintained.”

Eliminating the pump station, and the associated energy and maintenance costs, has been on the city's to-do list for more than five years.

“The sewer project consists of over 13,000 feet of 42- through 30-inch gravity sewer pipe constructed mostly along Mud Creek and parallel to our Oklawaha Greenway,” Detwiler said. “The sewer project is approximately 30 to 40 percent complete and is scheduled to be finished in January/February 2015, weather permitting.

“The sewer construction involves the installation of sanitary sewer in a deep trench,” Detwiler continued. “In order to preserve public safety, the lower portion of Pets' Own Place Dog Park (the area for smaller dogs) on Seventh Avenue East has been closed since mid-June and will be closed for several more weeks. The upper portion of the park, reserved for larger dogs, remains open. The sewer construction has resulted in temporary closures and detours on several sections of the greenway as well.”

<p>If you've been through Jackson Park or traveled down Seventh Avenue lately, you've probably seen them — the multi-ton excavators with their claws ever reaching for the ground, and the mounds of dirt they create. </p><p>Those claws are preparing the way for a $4.6 million sewer project that will eventually save the city money.</p><p>Lawrenceville, Ga.-based John D. Stephens Inc., which specializes in pipeline installation, was awarded the bid to start construction earlier this year. Crews are expected to be laying the new sewer line through the end of the year.</p><p>“This project is called the Jackson Park Sewer Interceptor. Its main purpose is to eliminate the city's largest pump station, which is in Jackson Park,” City Engineer Brent Detwiler said. “The existing pump station is over 20 years old, consumes a substantial amount of electricity and must be frequently maintained.”</p><p>Eliminating the pump station, and the associated energy and maintenance costs, has been on the city's to-do list for more than five years.</p><p>“The sewer project consists of over 13,000 feet of 42- through 30-inch gravity sewer pipe constructed mostly along Mud Creek and parallel to our Oklawaha Greenway,” Detwiler said. “The sewer project is approximately 30 to 40 percent complete and is scheduled to be finished in January/February 2015, weather permitting.</p><p>“The sewer construction involves the installation of sanitary sewer in a deep trench,” Detwiler continued. “In order to preserve public safety, the lower portion of Pets' Own Place Dog Park (the area for smaller dogs) on Seventh Avenue East has been closed since mid-June and will be closed for several more weeks. The upper portion of the park, reserved for larger dogs, remains open. The sewer construction has resulted in temporary closures and detours on several sections of the greenway as well.”</p><p>Reach Weaver at Emily.weaver@blueridgenow.com or 828-694-7867.</p>